Dairy farmers with a passion for shaping the future of the sector are encouraged to stand for this year’s DairyNZ Board of Director elections, with nominations now open for two farmer-elected board positions and two roles on the Directors’ Remuneration Committee.
DairyNZ deputy chair Cameron Henderson says dairy farmers can make good governors.
“They have the ability to make strategic decisions during times of uncertainty and change because they keep an eye on the horizon, while dealing with the issues of the day,” Cameron says.
"This is a key chance to contribute to dairy – the leading export sector and instigator of our economic recovery – and to DairyNZ, which is dedicated to supporting dairy farmers to achieve on-farm environmental mitigations and profitability gains to ensure a positive future.”
Cameron also emphasises that DairyNZ is looking for people with different backgrounds, experiences and perspectives to ensure all angles are considered in making strong decisions for the future of the sector.
“If you’ve got leadership or governance experience, a commitment to the industry, and a desire to make a difference, I’d really encourage you to consider standing,” says Cameron.
Two farmer director positions are open, with Tracy Brown and Chris Lewis retiring by rotation, and both seeking re-election.
“Both DairyNZ and the board are passionate about progressing a positive future for New Zealand dairy farmers,” says Cameron.
“We’re looking for directors who are committed to engaging with fellow farmers, stakeholders and policy makers, as we focus on delivering DairyNZ’s strategy and supporting farmers through research, new solutions, advocacy and extension.”
Cameron is happy to discuss the role further, as is the rest of the DairyNZ Board, with those farmers that may be interested but unsure.
Ideal candidates will have broad dairy sector knowledge and familiarity with farm issues and trends in New Zealand and internationally. Good networks, along with governance experience are also preferred.
Directors’ Remuneration Committee
Nominations are also requested for two farmers to join the DairyNZ Directors’ Remuneration Committee, which independently considers and recommends remuneration for directors each year.
For the Directors’ Remuneration Committee, Shirley Trumper is seeking re-election, while Ellen Barnett is seeking election this year, as she was appointed by the Board for twelve months to cover a vacancy for the 2024/25 year after no nominations were received last year.
Who can apply?
All farmers paying a levy on milksolids to DairyNZ and who are members of DairyNZ Inc are eligible to stand for election for the Board of Directors and the Directors’ Remuneration Committee positions. Candidates must be nominated by two DairyNZ levy payers.
Candidate nominations for all four positions must be received by the Returning Officer by 12 noon on Wednesday, August 27, 2025.
Ideal candidates will also have a number of the following skillsets:
- Past experience in setting strategy and governing performance for results.
- A clear understanding of the role and functions of industry good activities.
- Advocacy experience at a sector level.
- Experience in collaboration with Māori stakeholders, including iwi, hapū, and Māori organisations and Māori levy payers.
- Understanding the dynamics of the research or technology sectors.
If an election is confirmed, farmer voting will take place during October and early November, with the successful candidates announced at DairyNZ’s Annual Meeting on November 6 in Hamilton, Waikato.
For more information on the nomination process visit dairynz.co.nz/elections
Media contact
Jacob Quinn
Principal Corporate Communications Advisor
p: 027 716 4197
e: jacob.quinn@dairynz.co.nz
